Introduction to Language Structure and Perception

Introduction to Language

• Language is a communication system using sounds or symbols for thoughts, feelings, and ideas.
• All human societies have complex languages with similar structures, suggesting an innate language capability.

Structure of Language

• Phonemes: Smallest units of sound (e.g., "p" in "pat").
• Morphemes: Smallest units of meaning (e.g., "un-" and "happy" in "unhappy").
• Syntax: Rules for arranging words in sentences; varies between languages but holds within a language.
• Semantics: Word and sentence meaning.
• Grammar: Combining syntax and semantics to define language rules.

Speech Perception

• Phonemic Restoration Effect: The brain fills in missing sounds based on context.
• McGurk Effect: Visual information influences perceived sound, integrating auditory and visual input.
• Coarticulation: Phonemes are affected by surrounding sounds, creating speech variability.

Lexical Processing and Lexical Ambiguity

• Lexical Decision Task: Measures word recognition speed and memory access of words.
• Lexical Ambiguity: Multiple meanings of words (e.g., "bank") creating processing ambiguity; context resolves this.
• Word Frequency Effect: High-frequency words are recognized faster, due to greater exposure.

Syntax and Sentence Parsing

• Parsing: Grouping words into phrases for sentence comprehension.
• Syntax-First Approach: Syntactic structure primarily drives parsing, then semantics.
• Late Closure Principle: Words are initially grouped with current structure unless justified to create a new structure.
• Interactionist Approach: Syntax and semantics are processed concurrently.

Understanding Sentences and Texts

• Inference Making: Filling in information gaps for coherent meaning.
  • Anaphoric Inference: Connecting pronouns to their references.
  • Instrumental Inference: Assuming tools or methods based on context.
  • Causal Inference: Determining cause-and-effect relationships.
• Situation Model: Creating a mental representation of the text's meaning.

Conversation as a Form of Language Use

• Given-New Contract: Speakers provide familiar (given) and new information to maintain understanding.
• Common Ground: Shared knowledge or assumptions simplifying communication.
• Syntactic Coordination: Speakers adopt similar structures, easing understanding.
• Theory of Mind: Understanding others' mental states for effective communication.

Theories of Language Acquisition

• Behaviorist Approach: Language through imitation and reinforcement. Largely outdated.
• Nativist Theory (Chomsky): Innate language acquisition ability (Language Acquisition Device).
• Interactionist Theories: Language development from biological and social factors interaction.

Neurological Basis of Language

• Broca's Area: Frontal lobe, language production; damage causes Broca's aphasia.
• Wernicke's Area: Temporal lobe, language comprehension; damage results in Wernicke's aphasia.
• Hemispheric Specialization: Left hemisphere mostly for language processing; right hemisphere contributes to context and tone.

Bilingualism and Cognitive Implications

• Bilingualism Advantages: Improved executive control (task-switching, inhibition).
• Bilingualism Costs: Potentially slower word retrieval due to language competition.
• Code-Switching: Switching between languages based on context for flexibility.

Explore the fundamental concepts of language, including its structure and the cognitive processes involved in speech perception. This quiz covers phonemes, morphemes, syntax, semantics, and how visual and auditory inputs interact during speech. Delve into the complexities of language that define human communication.